A clear indication of which party garnered the highest amount of first preference votes could emerge one hour after vote counting starts, according to election analyst, Hermann Schiavone.

Speaking to di-ve.com Mr Schiavone said that the pattern of voter turnout is the same as in the previous two elections of 2003 and 2008 but traditional Labour strongholds registered a higher than average turnout in the 2013 general elections.

“PL districts' turnout is higher than average. Turnout in PN districts particularly the tenth and the twelfth is much lower than average,” Mr Schiavone told di-ve.com when contacted early this morning.

“At this stage it is too early to make predictions on the basis of the figures currently available. The sorting of votes, which starts at 11:00h is the moment when the outcome becomes clearer. By midday we should have a clear indication and by 13:00h we might get an announcement,” Mr Schiavone explained.